RSV ~ 1 Timothy 5 Notes

1 Tim 5:1-6 | ISB Notes

Paul instructs Timothy on how to treat older and younger believers (5:1-2), widows (5:3-16), elders (5:17-25), and slaves (6:1-2). He leads in with a reminder that every Christian under his care is a member of the spiritual family of Christ (5:1-2).

1 Tim 5:3-16 | ISB Notes

Widows had special needs in ancient society, where no economic or governmental programs were in place to assist them. Paul advises different support systems for different circumstances. (1) Widows with a surviving family should be cared for by their children and relatives (5:4). (2) Older widows without family or wealth are to receive material support from the local church (5:16). (3) Younger widows are advised to remarry, lest their energies and idle time be spent in unwholesome conduct and conversation (5:14).

1 Tim 5:5 | ISB Notes

prayers night and day: A good example is the aged widow Anna in Lk 2:37.

1 Tim 5:6 | ISB Notes

dead: Spiritually lifeless (Eph 2:1; Rev 3:1).

1 Tim 5:9 | ISB Notes

enrolled: Either added to a list of widows who qualify to receive assistance or registered among an organized group of widows committed to prayer (5:5) and works of service (5:10). The character expected of these women is comparable to that of a prospective bishop (3:2) or deacon (3:8).

1 Tim 5:10 | ISB Notes

washed the feet: An act of hospitality common in societies where sandals are worn and dusty roads are traveled on foot (Lk 7:44). Jesus made it a symbol of Christian service (Jn 13:14-17).

1 Tim 5:17 | ISB Notes

the elders: Or “presbyters” (priests). Being servants of the gospel, they deserve our highest respect as well as a share of our material resources. Only in extreme cases where sin is at issue should Timothy rebuke an elder in public (5:20).

See chart: The Threefold Pastoral Ministry at 1 Tim 3.

1 Tim 5:18 | ISB Notes

Scripture says: By the time Paul wrote 1 Timothy, certain books of the NT were apparently being revered as part of holy Scripture. In this passage, Paul seems to assume that the citations from Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Luke share the same authority as inspired writings. Some of his own letters were esteemed in this way as well (2 Pet 3:15-16).

You shall not muzzle: A quotation of Deut 25:4. For Paul, permitting animals to eat while they work carries a hidden significance now revealed by the gospel, so that what is true for oxen is even truer for ordained elders: their work entitles them to a share in the community’s food and provisions (1 Cor 9:9-10). The allegorical meaning of this OT passage corresponds to the literal meaning of the NT passage that follows.

laborer deserves his wages: A verbatim quotation of Lk 10:7, where Jesus insists that ministers of the Word have a right to fair compensation for their preaching (CCC 2122). See note on Lk 10:7.

1 Tim 5:19 | ISB Notes

two or three witnesses: Judicial criteria in a Jewish court of law (Deut 19:15). See note on 2 Cor 13:1.

1 Tim 5:22 | ISB Notes

Do not be hasty: Timothy is told to screen candidates for pastoral ministry before ordaining them by the sacramental imposition of hands. Otherwise, the hurried promotion of immature or poorly formed believers might have ruinous consequences (3:6). See note on 1 Tim 4:14.

1 Tim 5:23 | ISB Notes

your frequent ailments: Timothy’s fragile health was a concern to Paul. He is advised to consume wine in moderation and so benefit from its medicinal properties. Wine can sometimes offset the uncomfortable effects of drinking impure water. .